2024

Some interesting developments for two projects that have been in the works for quite a while…As some of you may know, I was in a group called Harlow back in the day when “records” were vinyl and there was no such thing as auto tune. Harlow went to on The Billboard Dance Chart. A new Harlow track has been recorded and will be mixed by Poolhaus. Coming soon.

And a musical I’ve co-written with the fabulous, Diane Leah (music director/pianist/arranger/writer) is heading to a table read. BOB THE MARTIAN, is funny, touching and I can’t wait to see it somewhere other than the inside of my head!

WHAT I DID ON MY PANDEMIC VACATION…

Selfie photo alongside a scoresheet for Gotta Get Back to Joy.

Rocket Racoon and Groot stuffed animals are also seen.

If you haven’t seen much of me in the last couple years, I’m the one on the left. We’ve gone through trying times but it looks like there’s light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully it’s not from an on coming train! During this time I co wrote and recorded an album with the great Denis Keldie. ( The Extras, The Lincolns…) and co wrote a musical with the fabulous Diane Leah. (pianist, arranger, and Music Director extraordinaire), wrote songs and a tv pilot with the wonderful Joanne Perica. (Founding member of Harlow) and finished a couple more screenplays. If you’ve ever thought you’d like to write or learn ukulele or dye your hair purple, or dye your hair purple while playing the ukulele, go for it. Now is our time. Hang in there!

NOTHIN’ ABOVE LOVE

Another song written and recorded by Denis Keldie and myself from our home studios using Digital Performer/files flying back and forth/chats by phone. Thanks to Carla van der kleij or it still wouldn’t be posted.

Nothin’ Above Love, Yo Vanderkley and Dennis Keldie

Chick

Here’s a new song co- written with Denis Keldie (The Extras, Prairie Oyster, The Lincolns…) In these covid times, we each recorded in our own home studios and swapped tracks back and forth via dropbox. Where there’s a will there’s a way.

For Once In My Life

I rarely post work from my past but this is so old it’s interesting to see there was a time when Canadian tv had a budget for an entire orchestra. The late, great Jerry Toth is the leader. Everyone recorded live off the floor. Does that happen often anymore? No punching in. This goes so far back that I hadn’t reverted back to using my real name yet. Wonderful players.

Thank You

Microphone sitting in wooden case in front of a fire and a Christmas tree.

I want to thank all the great musicians I rehearsed and gigged with in 2018. Also a big thank you to everyone who hired me and my trio or band last year. I’ll be in the studio finishing a project started in 2018. So wish me luck!

Have a great year!